Ever since Apple sent out invitations for its big iPhone event on Sept. 9 I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out one big component of the event: the location.

Historically, Apple holds its events at the Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco or at its own auditorium in Cupertino. In 2014, Apple held its event at the Flint Center in Cupertino, a venue that was not only larger than Moscone and the Apple campus, but also carried special historical significance.

Yerba Buena holds 757 people. The Flint Center holds up to 2,405 attendees. The Bill Graham Civic Auditorium? It has a maximum capacity of 7,000 people. When President Obama comes to give a speech in San Francisco, he comes here. This arena is more suited for concerts for big named acts — not tech launches.

Which of course, makes us wonder: Just what does this mean? We discussed this briefly during this week's MashTalk (please subscribe to us!), but it's worth revisiting properly.

Here are five of my best theories for what Apple will do with all of this extra space.

1. Show off bigger Internet of Things integration

Eve is a family of sensors and devices built for HomeKit.

Image: Elgato

The layout of the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium allows for removed seating, so it's not as if Apple has to actually fill the space with people. They could remove seats or whole sections and make the space more of a showcase.

In this way, Apple could show off HomeKit integration on a grander scale. Think about the way Ikea stages rooms in its stores. Wouldn't it be cool if Apple did something similar?

I would love to see all HomeKit products arranged in a way that was accessible, usable and visible in one space.

2. Apple brings in cars to show off CarPlay

Image: Apple

Although I don't expect to see the mythical Apple Car at this event (We're years away from that. Years.), the size of the venue would make it possible for Apple to bring some cars on stage or in the middle of the auditorium to show off CarPlay.

3. Show off the new Apple Store layouts

Image: Mark Lennihan/Associated Press

It's always possible Apple could be reserving part of the venue for a showroom of sorts. Last year at the Flint Center, Apple displayed the Apple Watch in a manner similar to what you see at Apple Stores today.

The Apple Store has gone through some transitions over the last year or so — with new packaging, new store layouts and a slightly different focus on product. Why not create a concept store in the middle of a venue to show the press and analysts how Apple is engaging with customers worldwide?

4. A bigger focus on the living room

HBO Now on Apple TV

Aside from the new iPhone devices, we're all betting on seeing a new Apple TV set-top box. The last time the Apple TV was refreshed was in 2012 and a lot has changed not just in the set-top/streaming device game, but in the television industry in general.

Think about it. The last time the Apple TV got a real update, HBO Go was still fairly new and limited. Netflix wasn't doing original content and cord-cutting was still something the cable industry was trying to ignore.

Now, four and a half years later, TV is in a very different space. Major events are streamed online, cord-cutting and streaming subscriptions are becoming real and there is a real groundswell for one service to bring all of the many streaming pieces together under one name.

We've seen attempts by Sling, Sony and others, but Apple is one of the few companies with the clout and bankroll to make a real stab at creating a cable alternative for the streaming generation.

What if Apple used some of this bigger space to really focus on the living room. A Siri-controlled Apple TV with Wii-like controls could be the sort of announcement Apple really wants to highlight, especially in a big space.

5. A big musical guest

Drake and Apple executive Eddy Cue.

Image: Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

Apple is known for having musical guests at its events. In the past, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Nora Jones, The Weekend and U2 have graced the stage at Apple events.

With the introduction of Apple Music and the company's renewed focus on music, it would make sense that Apple host a really big musical act at its big iPhone event.

You might think that Apple's newest BFF Taylor Swift would be a natural choice. Unfortunately, Swift is performing in Houston on Wednesday night, which makes me think it's unlikely she'll show up in San Francisco.

Drake made an appearance at WWDC — as did The Weeknd — so I don't anticipate return appearances from either artist.

Dr. Dre does have a top-10 album out right now and one of the hottest movies on the planet. He's also an Apple employee...

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